If you're on the hunt for a quick and delicious meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico, look no further than this mouthwatering Queso Chicken and Rice recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, cheesy dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress your family and friends. With tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and a luscious queso topping, this recipe is not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup queso cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cubing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and measuring out the other ingredients.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and sprinkle taco seasoning directly onto the meat, stirring to ensure even coating.
- Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pieces are golden brown and completely cooked through with no pink interior.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet, stirring to combine with the chicken and allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cooked rice to the skillet, gently mixing with the chicken and tomato mixture to ensure even distribution.
- Sprinkle queso cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture, allowing it to slowly melt and create a creamy texture.
- Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the entire dish is heated thoroughly.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or additional queso cheese if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prep the chicken and measure out the ingredients in advance. This will make the cooking process even smoother!
- Choose the Right Cheese: For the best melting results, opt for a high-quality queso cheese. If you can’t find queso, a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar works beautifully too.
- Customize Your Heat: If you love a bit of spice, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken while it cooks.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of extra queso cheese can take this dish to the next level.
- Leftover Magic: This dish reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
